Indian capital records coolest temperatures in 36 years

ANKARA

India's capital New Delhi recorded its coolest May in 36 years, the Weather Department said on Thursday.

The data provided by the India Meteorological Department has said that the average maximum temperature was down to 36.8 degrees Celsius in the month of May, this year because of excess rainfall.

A Weather Department official in Delhi told Anadolu the capital had recorded an average maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius in May 1987.

The data also revealed that last month, Delhi witnessed 111 millimeters of rain. Also, there was no heat wave recorded.

Temperatures above 40 degrees also were recorded for nine days in the month of May, the Weather Department said.

Usually, in the summer months, the temperature is very high in the country, but the trend is shifting due to climate change, according to experts.

Speaking to Anadolu, Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist at India's Skymet Weather Services, said the weather condition in the capital was unusual.

"There were five western disturbances which came last month. Usually, we don't see such intensity of Western disturbances during May. That is why, there was more rainfall last month mostly in northern India," he said.

He also said the changing weather disturbances could be an indication of climate change. "To be sure about it, we need to have data of 10-15 years to see the trend," he said. "But, the present condition indicates the impact of climate change is visible ."

Palawat said that in June, the temperature is expected to rise. "There may be western disturbances, but the chances are low," he said.

On Wednesday, the Weather Department said rainfall along with thunderstorms is likely to continue over Northwest India during the next two days, before decreasing.

"Heat wave conditions likely over Bihar and West Bengal during next 3-4 days," the weather bulletin said.

The change in the weather in the capital is a respite for locals in the capital.

"It doesn't feel that we are in the peak summers now," said Sumit Sharma, a local resident. "I have never seen such good weather, particularly in the month of May. Let's hope this good weather continues."